New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Written by

Glenn Guilbeau
Gannett Louisiana

Instead of playing to seal a playoff berth or home-field advantage this time of year as has been the case in recent seasons, New Orleans is below .500, coming off back-to-back losses and its quarterback is throwing more interceptions than touchdowns.

No, it's not 2001, 2002, 2003 or 2004 with erratic coach Jim Haslett trying to finish 8-8 behind equally erratic quarterback Aaron Brooks. The Saints, 5-7 entering Sunday's 3:25 p.m. game at the New York Giants, need a win just to keep their fading playoff hopes on life support. ...